Looking for a new state park to visit on your next camping trip in Arizona? From awesome recreation areas to intriguing historical sites, these 7 beautiful Arizona state parks are perfect for campers of all ages.
1. Red Rock State Park
If you’re looking for that iconic Arizona red rock, this state park is must-see. Located just outside of Sedona, Red Rock offers some great hiking trails, tons of breathtaking vistas, and a beautiful scenic driving loop.
2. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns boasts a stunning 2.4 mile passage through a beautiful show cave. Just a short drive south of Benson, visitors can explore some of the world’s’ longest stalactites on a guided cave tour, spend an afternoon with the kids at the Discovery Center, or take a hike in the Coronado National Forest.
3. Slide Rock State Park
Located in Oak Creek Canyon just North of Sedona, this 43-acre park is best known for it’s natural water slide, Slide Rock. After you get your fill of the slide, have a picnic and enjoy the lovely view of the canyon, play in the water, or just sit back and enjoy the sunshine.
4. Catalina State Park
This beautiful high-desert park can be found north of Tucson at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Catalina is full of excellent trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding that wind through unique desert flora and fauna, including a huge population of Saguaro cactus. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss out on Romero Ruin and numerous other Hohokam villages sprinkled throughout the Tucson Basin.
5. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Located in Cottonwood, Dead Horse Ranch is a 423-acre outdoor playground filled with trails, wildlife, and spectacular views. The Verde River Greenway State natural Area is adjacent to the park, so there are plenty of opportunities for beautiful river hikes, canoeing, and some excellent fishing. If you’re an avid mountain biker, the Coconino National Forest offers great trails for all experience levels.
6. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Nestled within a small valley surrounded by pine trees in Payson, AZ, is Tonto Natural Bridge, the largest natural travertine bridge on the planet. This amazing 183-foot bridge stands over a 400-foot long tunnel, and visitors can stand on top or hike below to check out the jaw dropping view. To top it all off, there is a short waterfall trail that leads to a beautiful grotto.
7. Lost Dutchman State Park
Located 40 miles East of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, this park is well-known for the legends surrounding it’s lost gold mine. There are numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that travel through the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Wilderness as well as a recently opened 4-mile mountain bike loop.
Where to Camp
Ready to start planning your next Arizona camping trip? Explore hundreds of Arizona campgrounds near your favorite destinations on Camp Native. Discover your campground, choose your perfect campsite, and book your stay online! If you’re looking for an warm weather escape for the winter months, check out these beautiful campgrounds in Arizona.
